As I write, our incumbent BAUN president Clare Waymont will be nursing her aching muscles and basking in the sheer joy of completing the arduous Three Peaks Challenge. Along with teammates Nicola Teruel and Abbi Matthews (not forgetting trusty driver Helen Heap), Clare undertook this impressive venture to raise funds for our organisation. This incredible feat by Team BAUN Three Peaks aimed to promote the vital nature of urology nurses' work and the importance of investing in ourselves: namely educational, networking and professional development opportunities.
Urology nurses prioritise the needs of patients above all else, as is evident in our frequent fundraising activities for cancer, welfare and other patient-related charities. In a world where it is more difficult than ever to attend study days and take time out of work, it is vital that, as a nursing profession, we do everything possible to ensure patients continue to have access to a range of services.
As the incoming president, I am daunted by the responsibility that comes with the role. While I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities my election brings, I feel unprepared for the challenges I may face over the next 2 years. However, the president is only part of the team that makes up the Council of Trustees, and I am reassured that my fellow trustees will be with me every step of the way. We will grow together, as we continue to bring you the educational, networking and professional development opportunities for which BAUN is rightly known.
If you are not a member of a professional group such as BAUN, I would urge you to join one. For any nurse with an interest in urology, continence, urological cancers or bladder care, the association of choice has to be BAUN. I joined many years ago, after attending a study day where I was surprised to encounter many nurses who, like me, were trying to develop new services. BAUN is there as much for nurses happy to do a good job at their current level, as it is for high flyers. Our educational events are perfect for easy revalidation and networking, and are an invaluable resource, reinforced by our social media presence.
I joined BAUN in search of training and support to set up my own prostate biopsy service. I came away not only with my training certificate, but also with many contacts and inspiration. I had met nurses with the same anxieties as myself and others whose services had been up and running for years. As my service grew, I in turn began to support newer specialist nurses. Before I knew it, I was a BAUN trustee armed with little more than a strong desire to help. As part of the Council of Trustees, I have been able to build my skills as an organiser, communicator and leader. I have much to learn, but I have enjoyed the process of becoming part of the UK's leading association for urological nurses.
When I step into the role of president in November, my aim is to help shape an association that will grow in line with the needs of its members. We will build a robust business plan to allow BAUN to flex with future challenges. We must continue to invest in training and development, and encourage the nurses of the future to follow in our footsteps and to raise the standard yet higher.
This year, BAUN's flagship event will be the first ‘in-person’ conference for 3 years. We have an excellent programme (as well as our flexible cystoscopy and prostate biopsy workshops) and it will be wonderful to meet face-to-face once again. This year's awards have had a record number of submissions in some categories, and we will enjoy our celebration gala dinner at which the winners will be announced.
Now is the perfect time to consider a career in urological or continence nursing. The current changes in hospital and community services guarantee that you will find a rewarding and stimulating career in the field. This includes developments in urological cancer nursing: as the national healthcare agenda pushes forward developments in cancer care, it will open opportunities for nurses with an interest in this diverse area. New roles are also opening up in benign urological specialties such as renal stone and andrology. The workforce too is diversifying across all grades and roles in urological care: in addition to the traditional specialist roles, there are now opportunities in advanced clinical practice and surgical care practice.
Whatever your background, every journey starts with a first step, whether this is climbing the Three Peaks for charity, taking on a new professional challenge or embarking on your path to becoming the nurse that you want to be. Please reach out to your colleagues and your professional association for support – your involvement in turn will enthuse, inspire and galvanise your colleagues.